Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), also known as drones, are used to obtain digital aerial images and/or video to assist with investigations and to enhance public safety in Weyburn.
Examples of situations where a drone may be used in a police capacity include but are not limited to:
- Documenting a crime scene or motor vehicle collision;
- Missing person search and rescue;
- Supporting tactical operations;
- Disaster response and recovery;
- Providing situational awareness during public events; and
- Flight testing, training and demonstrations.
Other applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will only be conducted if legal authority and/or judicial authorization have been obtained.
Only Weyburn Police Service officers who have a Transport Canada Advanced Operations Pilot Certificate will operate an RPAS weighing over 250 grams. RPAS are governed by the Aeronautics Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations.
RPAS operations respect individuals’ privacy rights. Personal information will only be collected when necessary and in accordance with The Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
RPAS are deployed in accordance with the Criminal Code, Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in relation to the collection, use, disclosure and retention of personal information.
Unless required as evidence of a crime, as part of an ongoing investigation, for training or required by law, images captured by the Weyburn Polices Service will not be retained.
In cases where private and/or lawful behavior is captured alongside criminal behavior or evidence, every effort is made to minimize the dissemination of such information, up to and including video redaction, where necessary.